An exciting new opportunity has arisen for a qualified Best Interests Assessor/Registered Social Worker to join our friendly and supportive team on a permanent basis, specialising in Court of Protection work.
We are currently offering a 10% market supplement to help us recruit. This additional 10% will be reviewed at the end of March 2025.
The role involves completing high quality applications, for the Court of Protection to authorise a deprivation of liberty for people who are receiving care in community, domestic settings including supported living and shared lives, and be responsible for the review of these authorisations.
The post holder will undertake best interests assessments and offer expert advice and guidance in relation to the statutory requirements arising from the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) legal framework, its associated process and procedures. As a member of the DoLS Team, the Best Interests Assessor will assist in raising awareness by providing advice and guidance to customers, stakeholders, in addition to providing mentoring support to Adult Social Care staff on MCA and DoLS issues. The DoLS Team are passionate about protecting the human rights of the citizens of Middlesbrough and our work can be both challenging and rewarding.
Applications are invited from individuals who have:
A current Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England.
Best Interests Assessor qualification
Significant experience of mental capacity work within Social Care/Health and a sound knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act 2005
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
An enthusiasm to work with vulnerable adults, their families, carers and advocates
We offer regular supervision and training opportunities to support your development and applications from newly qualified Best Interests Assessors are welcome, as a full induction and mentoring period can be offered.
Please contact Elspeth Alexander, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Team Manager for an informal discussion about the post on 01642 728460.
The post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.